Patient & Family Resources

Caring for a loved one at the end of life can feel overwhelming, and it is natural to have questions. This section is designed to guide families with compassion and clarity, offering practical tools, gentle explanations, and supportive advice for each stage of the journey.

Whether you are learning what to expect from hospice, seeking guidance on symptom management, or looking for ways to talk with children about loss, these resources are here to bring comfort, peace of mind, and reassurance that you are not alone.

Know Your Rights

If you are seeking support, information, or would like to schedule a consultation, please fill out the form below and our team will be in touch.

Remember: It is your right to choose the hospice that feels right for you and your family. You should never feel pressured by a hospital, physician, or facility to use only the hospice they are affiliated with. The decision belongs to you. We are here to support and empower you in making the choice that best honors your loved one’s needs, values, and wishes.

What to Expect in Hospice

When a loved one begins hospice care, families often wonder what lies ahead. Hospice is not about giving up—it is about shifting the focus to comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Our team provides medical care, emotional support, and guidance, helping patients spend this season of life in the setting they call home, surrounded by those they love. Families can expect regular visits from nurses, caregivers, chaplains, and social workers, as well as 24/7 access to phone support for urgent needs.

Symptom Management at Home

Caring for someone with a serious illness can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Hospice provides expert symptom management right at home, addressing pain, breathing difficulties, fatigue, nausea, and other concerns.

We also train family caregivers to notice changes, respond effectively, and call for help when needed. Our goal is to ease discomfort and support both patients and families so that more energy can be spent on meaningful time together.

Understanding the Dying Process

The final stages of life bring physical, emotional, and spiritual changes that can feel unfamiliar. Hospice helps families understand what to expect, from shifts in appetite and breathing to moments of restlessness or withdrawal.

By knowing these changes are natural, families can feel less afraid and more prepared. Our team provides gentle explanations and reassurance every step of the way, helping loved ones focus on presence, peace, and meaningful goodbyes.

Talking to Children About Death

Children experience loss differently than adults, and it can be hard to know what to say. Hospice can guide families in having honest, age-appropriate conversations with children about illness, death, and grief.

We encourage openness, reassurance, and attentive listening to children’s questions without judgment. Books, memory projects, and family rituals can also help children feel included and supported as they cope with change.

End-of-Life Legal Checklists

Practical matters can feel overwhelming during a serious illness. Hospice provides guidance on the essential legal documents that bring clarity and peace of mind.

These may include advance directives, durable powers of attorney, wills, or funeral planning documents. Having these items in place ensures a patient’s wishes are honored and relieves families of unnecessary stress during a tender time.

Our social workers can connect families with resources and professionals to complete these important steps.

Who Pays for Hospice?

One of the most common questions families ask is: How will we afford hospice care? The good news is that for most patients, hospice is fully covered.

  • Medicare Hospice Benefit - For those enrolled in Medicare Part A, hospice services are covered 100%. This includes medications related to the terminal illness, medical equipment, nursing visits, counseling, and more. Families should not receive unexpected bills for hospice-related care.
  • Medi-Cal / Medicaid - Patients with Medi-Cal/Medicaid also receive full coverage for hospice services.
  • Private Insurance - Many private health plans and HMOs include hospice as part of their benefits. Our team will help verify coverage and handle the paperwork.

At Still Waters Hospice of the Desert, we run eligibility checks right away and guide families through the process, so finances never become a barrier to compassionate care.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are seeking support, information, or would like to schedule a consultation, please call us at (760) 683-2272 or complete the form below. Our team will reach out to you promptly

1. Is Hospice Only For People With Cancer or Those Who Are Actively Dying?

Not at all. Hospice is for anyone facing a life-limiting illness, whether it’s heart failure, dementia, advanced lung disease, or, yes, cancer. And while some patients may have only days or weeks left, many receive hospice care for months. Our goal is not just to support the dying, but to help the living make the most of every moment.

2. Will Still Waters of the Desert Hospice stop my medications once I start hospice?

Not at all. We believe in honoring every person's unique journey and creating a personalized plan of care that meets your individual needs. Our team will work with you to understand which medications bring comfort and which may no longer be necessary. Any changes are made thoughtfully, with you and your family at the center of every decision.

3. Can I keep seeing my regular doctor while on hospice?

Absolutely. If your Primary Care Provider (PCP) is willing, they can continue serving as your attending physician while you're under hospice care. We work closely with them, keeping them updated and collaborating to ensure your care remains seamless and consistent.

4. How do I pay for hospice care?

Many families are surprised to learn that hospice is often covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal, or private insurance. Our team can check your eligibility and guide you through the process. Just give us a call—we’re here to walk with you every step of the way and make sure there are no surprises.



5. When is the right time to start hospice?

Many families wait too long. Hospice isn’t just for the final days—it’s about maximizing comfort, peace, and time together. Care can begin anywhere you call home, whether that’s a private residence, assisted living, or nursing facility. Early support helps everyone breathe easier.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICES WE OFFER:

CLICK HERE